Bichel amazed by skills on show at Twenty20 event

"The future of PNG Cricket is extremely healthy when I see games like these" exclaimed National Coaching Director and former Test cricket legend Andy Bichel, having just attended the Grand Final of the Vabukori Cricket Association Twenty20 Grand Final.

Nestled into the side of a Hill with a ground well above the village and cut out of the rock hill side the Vabukori Cricket Association held their Twenty 20 Grand final on Saturday.

Played in front of a large and vocal crowd the game bought to the end a six team competition where each team had played each other in three rounds for the right to make the Grand Final.

Played with some unique local rules where at times the ball can be hit up the hill but still be live until the fieldsman retrieves it, the game was a thrilling contest. The Gure "Tsunami" Stars played Rossi in a titanic tussle.

Batting first the Tsunami's took full advantage of the conditions to score at nearly six an over and post a very competitive total of 116.

The stars with the bat were Paul Morea 50, Yama Reisino 15 and for Rossi best with the ball were Mea Boga 3/16 and Heury John 2/32.

The Rossi team then were right under pressure from the start with quick wickets and opening bowler Lawes Rabura was the main destroyer with 5-12 runs off four overs. Also impressive was Sylvester Rabura with 3-3 to end the resistance shown by the Rossi tail. The Rossi batting was led by Tony Manega with 26, Stanley Lava 16 and Henry John 13.

General Manager of Cricket PNG, Bill Leane announced after the match had concluded: "Cricket PNG are going to assist Vabukori Cricket Association with completing their Affiliation application and structuring a sustainable cricket competition. Cricket PNG is also going to assist with the establishment of a Junior Boys and Girls/ladies competition."

"This is a beautiful community with an unbelievable passion for cricket and we will be doing everything we can to support their long-term sustainability" said Mr Leane.

The Cricket PNG Barramundi's will be visiting Vabukori again this coming Wednesday with a series of clinics.

There will be an older group session from 1.30 - 3.00pm and then a boys and girls session for school kids after school from 3.15pm - 4.30pm. The sessions will be run by National men's players as part of Cricket PNG's Brian Bell School Cricket Community Development program.